Greta Thunberg Joins Gaza Flotilla Departing From Barcelona

Wed Oct 22 2025 15:32:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A flotilla carrying 350 activists, including climate leader Greta Thunberg, sets sail from Barcelona to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission has departed Barcelona, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Led by activists including Greta Thunberg, the mission seeks to break Israel's ongoing blockade. Supporters express hope for a humanitarian corridor amidst previous interferences by Israeli forces.

A flotilla of boats headed for Gaza carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists - including climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg - has departed from Barcelona.

Around 20 vessels displaying Palestinian flags launched from the Spanish port at 19:00 local time on Monday, stocked with medical and food supplies.

The flotilla had planned to set sail on Sunday but was forced to return to port due to stormy weather.

The objective of the mission, as stated by the organizers, is to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza. A similar attempt to reach Gaza by sea was intercepted by Israeli forces in previous efforts.

The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission plans to launch in two waves: the first from Barcelona and the second from Tunis on 4 September. Activists hope the two groups can converge in the Mediterranean before sailing towards Gaza, a trip that is estimated to take seven to eight days.

Thunberg emphasized the mission's purpose in a video message: We are sailing again to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor.

Punk singer Bob Vylan, who sparked controversy at Glastonbury with a chant against the Israel Defence Forces, spoke at the flotilla's departure, lauding the activists as brave individuals taking necessary humanitarian actions that he believes should have already been addressed through government intervention.

Israeli authorities have dismissed the previous flotilla attempts as publicity stunts that do not provide meaningful assistance. In response to international pressure, Israel had instituted a blockade on Gaza earlier this year, permitting limited goods back in from late May. However, a UN-backed agency subsequently reported that famine conditions exist in parts of Gaza.

Currently, Israel is attempting to govern aid distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, facing live criticism from aid agencies.

Thunberg's previous attempt in June to reach Gaza aboard a yacht was thwarted by Israeli forces, who apprehended the vessel and deported its passengers.

This ongoing tension echoes the tragic 2010 incident when Israeli commandos killed ten individuals aboard the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara, which was also en route to deliver aid to Gaza.